Kaylee Holsworth, Editor-in-Chief of The CI View, interviews the CI Boating Center at the Leadership and Involvement Fair to learn more about the services they provide for the CI student body.
Photo courtesy of ASI Marketing
Written by: Kaylee Holsworth
More than 100 participants sat at the tables on Central Mall on Sept. 1 for fall 2026’s Leadership and Involvement Fair. The Leadership and Involvement Fair served as a chance for students to receive first-hand knowledge about opportunities to get involved, not only on CI’s campus, but also in the greater surrounding areas. Everything from clubs, to service projects, to organizations showed up to spread the word on all they’re doing to provide CI students with the prospect of becoming an active member in their community.
The CI View, while running their own table, took the time to walk around the fair and learn more about some of the opportunities on campus, along with the clubs offered to the dolphin pod, which are highlighted below.
Tables and tents set up on the Central Mall at the Leadership and Involvement Fair as students walk around and engage with the various participating groups.
Photo courtesy of ASI Marketing
Campus Recreation is the center on CI’s campus for intramural sports, yoga and fitness. It runs and operates out of Arroyo Hall. Said Gordo, a fifth year chemistry and biology major and Ahoora Haidary, a third year computer science major, stated that Campus Recreation is the “embodiment of students becoming the better version of themselves.” It offers opportunities Monday through Friday including soccer, volleyball and more. When asked why Campus Recreation exists, Gordo and Hairdary remarked that it is “an asset for what students ask for. They want betterment.” Betterment in regard to community and fitness.
The CI Boating Center is a part of Campus Recreation as well. Students are given the ability to kayak, paddleboard and sail in the Channel Islands Harbor. Only five CSU campuses have aquatic centers, but CI is the only one that provides free services, as it is included in student fees. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for regular hours, but special events are also held throughout the semesters. Amish Aryal, a graduate student earning his master’s degree in business administration, works at the CI Boating Center as a student assistant. When asked why the boating center exists, Aryal responded by saying that it gives students the chance to “get away from everything,” especially the busyness and hecticness of life.
The Study Abroad program is offered throughout the CSU system. It provides students the chance to travel the world, learn about different cultures and even dive deeper into their specific major in certain cases. The tuition required to take part in the program is the same, or sometimes less, than CI’s standard tuition. Students can study in fall, winter, spring or summer. LeeAnn Sisson, a fourth year psychology major, studied abroad in Florence, Italy this past spring. “My favorite part about studying abroad was learning about the rich culture from those who actually live there. It expanded my understanding of myself and the world around me,” Sisson said. When asked why she believes the program exists, Sisson answered that it gives students the chance to “broaden their horizons.”
Members of clubs and organizations provide information and engage with interested students at the Leadership and Involvement Fair. Scarlet Valdez (second from right), a third year psychology major, discusses the details of who and what CI Cheer is to those who pass by.
Photo by: Madelaine Brown
CI Cheer is “CI’s number one supporters,” explained Scarlett Valdez, a third year psychology major. Valdez proclaimed that CI Cheer “sparkles!” CI Cheer does performances at school events and cheers on the sports teams at their games. Bi-weekly practices are held in CI’s Recreation Center. Valdez said CI Cheer exists to “foster community” and serves as a place for those who “love to show school spirit” and who want “a little bit of a workout” too.
The English club meets once a week in Bell Tower to “foster creativity,” said Taylor Bradford, a fourth year English major, who serves as the vice president. While the club is as an avenue for writers and readers to discuss their shared passions, the English Club is not only open to those who are also pursuing a degree in English. It offers a “fun, safe place for all majors. If you’re looking for community, English Club is the place to be!” Bradford expressed.
The Hiking Club is a “beautiful club of outdoorsy people” explained Angelica Del Rio, a second year liberal studies major. It provides students the opportunity to get outside and spend time in nature. They go on bi-monthly hikes on the trails in the surrounding Ventura County, including hikes on CI’s campus. Del Rio said that the Hiking Club was created “for the community of hikers who share similar interests.”
The CI View asked Russell Winans, Coordinator of Student Organizations and Involvement, what advice he has for those who want to get involved but are nervous or unsure. Winans answered, “simply give yourself permission to explore. You don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking for. Stop by an event, talk to a club or organization, ask a few questions, and see what feels like a good fit…You never know which experience or connection might become one of the most meaningful parts of your time at CSUCI.”
Kaylee Holsworth, Editor-in-Chief of The CI View, and Russell Winans, Coordinator of Student Organizations and Involvement, at the Leadership and Involvement Fair.
Photo by: Madelaine Brown
